What effect does tramadol have on dogs? Is it really safe to administer such medication? In this article we will be talking about the uses of tramadol when it is usually recommended, what are the most common formulations and doses, which dogs should not take it, and what are its contraindications and side effects, among other aspects to consider.
Note. During the writing of this article, different specialized sources in veterinary health were consulted, including the PetMD digital magazine, the official website of the VCA Hospital (Veterinary Centers of America), the American Kennel Club (AKC), and the Merck Veterinary Manual.
Table of Contents
What is tramadol and what is it used for in dogs?
Scientifically speaking, tramadol is a member of the opioid family, which means that it has analgesic action. In other words, tramadol alters the transmission and perception of pain.
Although it is designed for human use, it is often used by veterinarians for pain relief in dogs and other animals. It is generally indicated as an analgesic in dogs that suffer from osteoarthritis, that experience pain associated with other conditions, or that have undergone surgery or another type of invasive procedure.
As indicated in the Merck Veterinary Manual, it is one of the drugs of choice to relieve cases of acute or chronic pain, with moderate to severe intensity.
Tramadol, or tramadol hydrochloride, works by inhibiting the reuptake of norepinephrine and serotonin in the dog’s brain, which increases the level of these chemicals in the bloodstream and creates a feeling of euphoria and well-being, similar to the effect produced by morphine. The dog will not only be free from pain but also mentally calm and relaxed.
It should be noted that tramadol does not have the anti-inflammatory properties of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Its use does not help treat the underlying cause; it simply alters the way the body perceives pain, providing a sense of relief. That is why it is often used in combination with other medications.
Your vet may prescribe the use of tramadol if your dog has any of the following conditions:
- Osteoarthritis
- Limp
- Intervertebral disc disease (herniated disc)
- Cancer
- Postoperative pain
- General pain from an injury or other condition
Less commonly, it may be indicated for the treatment of dogs with:
- Anxiety
- Cough
- Canine degenerative myelopathy (a progressive disease of the spinal cord)
These are some of the most frequent uses…
Tramadol in dogs with osteoarthritis
Arguably, this is the canine condition most commonly treated with tramadol. It is known that similar to humans, dogs begin to experience wear and tear on their bones and joints as they age, this being a major cause of pain.
Symptoms of pain and inflammation linked to osteoarthritis can cause your dog to become lethargic, depressed, and even avoid physical attention for fear of being touched or handled in a way that could increase his discomfort. In that case, your vet may prescribe tramadol.
Note. As mentioned above, tramadol relieves symptoms but is not a cure for osteoarthritis.
Tramadol in dogs with postoperative pain
Veterinarians also often prescribe tramadol to control pain resulting from recent surgery. Typically, the drug relieves discomfort and discomfort, reducing the dog’s restlessness, promoting better rest, and facilitating its general recovery.
Tramadol for dogs with cancer
Another common use of tramadol in dogs is to relieve symptoms associated with cancer. When your pet is fighting cancer, this drug is an effective solution to deal with the pain caused by the disease. In this case, the medication helps reduce your distress by raising serotonin levels.
It may interest you: 11 Types of Tumors, Lumps, and Common Cysts in Dogs
Tramadol in dogs with lameness
Tramadol is also prescribed to relieve pain and discomfort associated with hip dysplasia, among other joint disorders. Likewise, the medicine does not have any type of curative effect; it just helps manage the discomfort and distress the dog may be facing.
Tramadol in dogs with intervertebral disc disease
On the other hand, tramadol is one of the analgesics commonly used to relieve pain in dogs with diseases that affect the spinal cord. A good example is intervertebral disc disease, which often causes severe pain, nerve damage, and potential paralysis.
What is the recommended dose of tramadol for dogs?
The usual dose of tramadol to relieve pain in dogs ranges between 0.45 and 1.8 mg per pound of body weight, administered every 8-12 hours. In dogs with cancer, the veterinarian may indicate the same dose, but every 6 hours.
Now, this does not mean that this is the correct dose for all dogs. The proper dose will always depend on several factors, including size, health status, the presence of other treatments, and the specific condition for which the drug is intended to be used.
As an owner, it is very important to follow the dosage instructions exactly as an overdose of Tramadol could be fatal.
Tramadol is a class 4 controlled substance, therefore obtaining it always requires a prescription. A veterinarian’s prescription is the only recommended route of entry for the use of tramadol in dogs.
Consider the following:
As tempting as it may seem, you should never give your dog a tramadol pill prescribed for human use; remember that the dose for people differs greatly from the dose used in these animals.
Owners should never attempt to calculate the dose of tramadol for their dog without the intervention of a veterinarian. Veterinarians calculate the correct dose based on weight, but also take into account other health aspects, such as the cause of the pain, liver values, and possible pre-existing conditions in the pet. The dose of tramadol to relieve chronic pain may be very different from the dose used to treat acute pain.
Does tramadol have contraindications and side effects?
Yes. Like the vast majority of medications, tramadol can also have contraindications and side effects in dogs.
Tramadol is well tolerated by almost all dogs, but there is still a risk of adverse reactions when the proper dose is given and other vet instructions are followed. These are the main side effects to be aware of:
- Vomiting, diarrhea, and nausea
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation
- Drowsiness
- Anxiety
- Dizziness
- Tremors or seizures
These symptoms can vary in severity, but it is generally recommended to consult your veterinarian if your dog experiences any of them while using tramadol. It may be necessary to adjust the dose or make a change in medication.
Also, be sure to tell your vet about any other health problems your pet has, as tramadol could make them worse. It also provides information on any other medications the dog may be taking, including over-the-counter medications and supplements.
As with almost any medication, there is also a risk of allergic reaction with tramadol, which can lead to anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition.
If you notice signs of an allergic reaction in your dogs, such as sneezing, coughing, swelling, hives, difficulty breathing, or other symptoms, contact your veterinarian immediately.
Recommended: Why Does My Dog Have Diarrhea and Vomiting? What I can do?
Risk of drug interactions
Tramadol is known to interact negatively with some medications ( especially antidepressant medications ). These include:
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), such as selegiline
- Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as fluoxetine, paroxetine, sertraline, and fluvoxamine
- Azole antifungals
- Cimetidine
- Cyproheptadine
- Ketamine
- Metoclopramide
- Quinidine
- Warfarin
- Yohimbine
Which dogs should not use tramadol?
In general, the use of tramadol is usually contraindicated in the following cases:
- Dogs under treatment with any of the drugs mentioned above (drug interaction).
- Dogs with a recent history of seizures (cases have been reported of tramadol increasing seizure activity in dogs with pre-existing conditions).
- Pregnant or lactating bitches (the drug can pass from the mother to her puppies).
- Dogs with kidney or liver disease.
General warnings and recommendations
- Although tramadol is one of the few human pain relievers that is considered safe for dogs, it should always be administered under veterinary supervision. A prescription for tramadol should never be transferred between the pet and its owner.
- If your vet has prescribed tramadol for your dog, follow their instructions very carefully. An overdose can put your life in danger.
- Tramadol should not be stopped suddenly, as the pet may experience withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, nausea, diarrhea, tremors, and respiratory problems.
- With chronic use of tramadol, dogs develop a certain tolerance and therefore it can take several weeks before the positive effects of the drug are noticed. That’s why veterinarians often combine tramadol with other pain relievers.
Quick Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
What are the signs of tramadol overdose in dogs?
When it comes to identifying a tramadol overdose in dogs, these are the warning signs to watch out for:
- Lethargy
- Severe vomiting
- Decreased heart rate
- Difficulty breathing
- Tremors
- Seizures
- Drowsiness
- Sedation
- Excessive drooling
- Agitation
- Dilated pupils
- Ataxia (uncontrollable movement)
- Loss of consciousness
If you notice any of these symptoms, stop administering the tramadol and see your vet immediately.
See later: Does your dog have vomiting? Common Causes, Types, and How to Tell Them Apart
How is tramadol administered?
Tramadol is usually administered orally. This can be with or without food, but due to its bitter taste, it is almost always recommended to be given with some type of food. Doing this when the dog has an empty stomach can cause vomiting.
What happens if I miss a dose?
In that case, it is recommended to administer the dose as soon as you remember, but if the next dose is already closed, skip the missed dose and administer the medicine at the next scheduled frequency. You should never give a dog 2 doses of tramadol together, nor give additional doses.
